At least six newborn babies have died from hypothermia in the Gaza Strip as temperatures continue to remain low.
Dr Saeed Saleh, a health official at the Patient’s Friends Benevolent Society Hospital (PFBS) in the enclave, revealed on Tuesday that eight newborns were admitted with severe cold-related injuries over the last two weeks, with six later dying.
Three newborns, aged one and two days old, died shortly after being admitted, while a 60-day-old baby froze to death inside a tent in al-Mawasi, Khan Younis, and medical sources told Al Jazeera two more succumbed to the cold.
PFBS has put out an urgent appeal following an increase in child injuries related to the cold and deaths related to lack of shelter, information shared with aid organisation Medical Aid for Palestinians.
The hospital called for immediate aid, including shelter caravans and fuel, to improve living conditions amid the harsh winter cold and safeguard young children.
“We appeal to the relevant authorities to provide caravans, camps, and fuel to provide warmth for people and protect children, especially with the arrival of a new low-pressure system,” Dr Salah shared with the aid organisation.
Healthcare workers have said the deaths are happening as Israel continues to block the entry of tents and mobile homes into Gaza. The hospital highlighted the living conditions Palestinians are facing as the enclave is hit with freezing temperatures as low as 10°C.
Israeli airstrikes have rendered over 280,000 families homeless, being forced to live in tents and partially destroyed homes that have no protection from the cold.
They say immediate action is crucial to saving the lives of newborns and vulnerable children in Gaza.
The Palestinian Meteorological Department said the territory will continue to be affected by the cold throughout the week, with slight rises in temperature.
The United Nations revealed at least eight newborns died in December alone of hypothermia in Gaza.
Despite a ceasefire coming into effect on 19 January, Israel continues to delay vital aid to the Gaza Strip, affecting the thousands of Palestinians in the enclave.
Israel’s war on Gaza has killed over 61,000 Palestinians since October 2023, with many estimated to be trapped under the rubble.
Israel has threatened to resume its war if ceasefire talks fail to progress this week.
